In a major road safety overhaul, the Zimbabwe Republic Police will begin deploying breathalysers and speed trap cameras on major highways this weekend. This significant development is expected to tackle the twin perils of drunk driving and speeding head-on. The deployment of this high-tech equipment comes just ahead of the festive season holidays, a period traditionally marked by a tragic increase in road accidents.
The rollout signals the first large-scale use of modern road-safety enforcement technology in the country. This initiative will be further bolstered by a new fleet of operational vehicles for the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), which is expected to be unveiled later this week.
A New Era For Road Safety Enforcement
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona confirmed the developments. He told The Herald that the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), in collaboration with the police, had finalised the procurement and technical specifications for the new equipment. Minister Mhona stated that the devices are crucial for clamping down on major traffic violations.
He explained the government’s position, saying:
“These measures will strengthen a culture of road discipline, reduce accidents and enhance public safety across the transport network. Road safety in Zimbabwe remains a critical concern, with rising incidents of road crashes affecting lives and livelihoods.”
How The New Technology Works
A breathalyser is a scientific device designed to measure the amount of alcohol in a person’s breath. When a driver blows into the device, it analyses the breath sample to estimate the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream. A reading that exceeds the legal limit means the driver is deemed unfit to drive. This technology provides quick, accurate, and legally admissible results, a significant upgrade from previous methods where officers relied on subjective assessments like slurred speech or unsteady movement.
The legal consequences for driving over the limit are severe. The Road Traffic Act states that driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 80 milligrammes or more per 100 millilitres of blood is a serious offence. Penalties can include a fine of up to level 10, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. The penalties are even harsher for commuter omnibus and heavy-vehicle drivers, who face jail terms of between one and ten years.
A National Priority Backed By Legislation
Minister Mhona emphasised that the government has elevated road safety to a national development priority. This move aligns with regional and international road safety plans. He revealed the stark statistic that highlights the need for such intervention.
“Over 94 percent of road accidents in Zimbabwe are attributed to human error. In response, TSCZ has partnered with State institutions to implement targeted interventions, including the procurement of evidential breathalysers and breathalyser printers; and rollout and handover to ZRP.”
Meanwhile, the police have issued a fresh warning to motorists. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged maximum caution and compliance with traffic laws during the busy festive season. He specifically warned against speeding, using unroadworthy vehicles, and dangerous driving.
Comm Nyathi advised, “Drivers are encouraged to inspect the condition of their vehicle tyres, including the spare wheel, to ensure that they are in good condition and properly inflated to avoid road accidents.”
He also cautioned drivers against attempting to cross flooded bridges and urged the public to report reckless driving, concluding that “Road safety is a collective responsibility of all Zimbabweans.”
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